Microsoft confirms Xbox One release date as 22nd November

Microsoft has confirmed the release date of the Xbox One will be 22nd November, just in time for US customers to have one for Thanksgiving.

As well as the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand and Spain will also be getting the new console on this date, while other territories will have to wait for 2014.

This will be a week after the Sony PS4 release date of 15th November, though notably only in the US. Europe will have to wait for the 29th for Sony's new console, with the Japanese release date not yet confirmed.

Microsoft has also confirmed the Xbox One this week began full production following some last minute tweaks including bumping the CPU speed from the initial spec of 1.6GHz to the final spec of 1.75GHz and increasing GPU speed by 6%.

Both consoles have largely sold out when it comes to pre-orders so chances of picking one up on launch day if you haven't already put down money for one are slim but no doubt extra stock will follow shortly after launch.

Xbox's marketing vice-president, Yusuf Mehdi, announced the firm's rollout plans in a statement.

"The culmination of many years of listening to you, our fans, developing innovative technology, and partnering with the best game and entertainment partners in the industry has brought us to this point," he said.

OK I understand why they're doing it but the constant overstressing of the listening aspect to every press release or interview just makes me gag each time now. I was pissed about the intent before they backed down, was definitely getting a PS4 but was coming around somewhat to the idea of getting an Xbox as well, and now I'm in half a mind to not get one out of spite.